Gujarat asks factories to curb evening power use as half of India's coal plants run critically low

Reuters reported on Wednesday that Uttar Gujarat Vij Company has texted industries and residents to conserve power from 5 pm to 11 pm and shift production away from the peak, as Central Electricity Authority data shows about half of India's 191 coal-fired plants with critically low stocks. Yaani: demand is running 45-50 GW — yaani about 45,000-50,000 MW — higher than a year ago.

Awaaz Punjab Investigations Desk21 October 20263 min readRead in all 3 languages

Gujarat has asked factories to curb electricity use during evening hours to avoid shortages, as surging demand and low coal stocks strain supply, Reuters reported on Wednesday via The Hindu BusinessLine.

A state utility, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd, has sent text messages to industries and citizens to conserve power during peak evening hours from 5 pm to 11 pm, Reuters reported. The state has asked factories to voluntarily shift production away from evening peak hours.

The appeal comes as about half of India's 191 coal-fired power plants are operating with critically low coal inventories, according to Central Electricity Authority data cited by Reuters. Hotter weather linked to El Niño, higher irrigation needs and increased industrial activity are driving demand, and daily peak demand has been running 45 gigawatts to 50 gigawatts higher than a year earlier.

India is also struggling to meet evening demand because it lacks enough batteries to store clean power generated during the day, Reuters noted. Gujarat said it has sought additional coal and power supply from the central government and is planning new coal, nuclear and battery storage projects. Several other states are also seeking short-term coal-based power, according to power ministry data cited in the report. Sources: Reuters via The Hindu BusinessLine, and Inshorts/Reuters summary.